Can sniffing alcohol relieve nausea? Read our latest blog to find out!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
No one likes the feeling of an upset stomach, and most of us will do just about anything to alleviate the pain and avoid throwing up. If you scan the web, you may find that people swear by sniffing alcohol to alleviate nausea. Is it true? Does it work? This article will walk you through everything you need to know about nausea, alcohol, and whether or not smelling alcohol for nausea works.
Nausea is that queasy or uneasy feeling we get in our stomach. The urge to vomit or an uncomfortable feeling in our throats often accompanies nausea. Vomiting or “throwing up” is when we forcibly empty the contents of our stomach through our mouth. Muscles in our stomach contract to propel the stomach’s contents through our esophagus and out. Nausea and vomiting are not a disease of their own but symptoms of different conditions. There are many reasons people experience nausea:
Vomiting and nausea are typically harmless, but in some cases, they can be a sign of something more serious such as encephalitis, meningitis, some cancers, heart attack, concussion or brain injury, brain tumors, bowel obstruction, or appendicitis. If you think you are experiencing something more serious than general nausea and vomiting, seek medical attention.
Yes! It is not uncommon for us to feel nausea after drinking alcohol. Vomiting is a common result of alcohol consumption. Why? Alcohol irritates the lining of our stomach and slows the rate of digestion, which leads to fat building up in our liver, stomach, and pancreas secretions. The toxins released as we consume alcohol alert the “vomiting center” in our brain — the area postrema. The brain senses these toxins and tries to rid the body of them by signaling us to throw up.
So, if alcohol can cause nausea or make us throw up, how would smelling alcohol help us with it?
To answer that question, we have to understand the different types of alcohol:
When people recommend smelling alcohol to relieve nausea, they are not talking about sniffing an open bottle of vodka; they are talking about isopropyl alcohol (IPA).
But does it work? In some cases, a few big whiffs of rubbing alcohol can help alleviate nausea; however, there is limited scientific evidence to prove it.
One study found that isopropyl alcohol vapor aromatherapy provided faster relief of nausea and reduced the need for anti-nausea medications. Another study saw that inhaled isopropyl alcohol helped patients experiencing nausea in the emergency department.
Although the limited evidence seems promising, there is still no guarantee that sniffing IPA will relieve our nausea. Furthermore, inhaling too much isopropyl alcohol can irritate or paralyze our respiratory system. We need to be careful when trying to use isopropyl alcohol to help with nausea and remember that it might not work for everyone.
Smelling alcohol for nausea may work in some cases, but why? Since there has been limited research on this topic, we don’t know exactly how it can help with nausea. Some believe the strong smell of rubbing alcohol may be a distraction from our nausea. Another theory is that overloading our olfactory system (our sense of smell) overrides our senses and leads our brains to prioritize processing the strong scent over the feeling of nausea.
Much of the evidence that smelling alcohol helps with nausea is found in anecdotal reports of people feeling better. With the limited research conducted, it is hard to conclude the true mechanism, but we know it works for some people.
Smelling alcohol may not work for everyone, but other home remedies might help:
If nausea is persistent and home remedies do not help, seek medical attention. Physicians may suggest anti-nausea medications such as Ondansetron (Zofran), Metoclopramide, Olanzapine, or Promethazine.
Sniffing alcohol might help with nausea, but it’s important to know the difference between isopropyl alcohol and the alcohol we drink (ethanol). We should not consume isopropyl alcohol, and sniffing ethanol won’t do anything. Still, the science behind nausea relief from sniffing IPA is unclear and unproven. Either way, quitting or cutting back on drinking alcohol (ethanol) can help us avoid nausea.
No one likes the feeling of an upset stomach, and most of us will do just about anything to alleviate the pain and avoid throwing up. If you scan the web, you may find that people swear by sniffing alcohol to alleviate nausea. Is it true? Does it work? This article will walk you through everything you need to know about nausea, alcohol, and whether or not smelling alcohol for nausea works.
Nausea is that queasy or uneasy feeling we get in our stomach. The urge to vomit or an uncomfortable feeling in our throats often accompanies nausea. Vomiting or “throwing up” is when we forcibly empty the contents of our stomach through our mouth. Muscles in our stomach contract to propel the stomach’s contents through our esophagus and out. Nausea and vomiting are not a disease of their own but symptoms of different conditions. There are many reasons people experience nausea:
Vomiting and nausea are typically harmless, but in some cases, they can be a sign of something more serious such as encephalitis, meningitis, some cancers, heart attack, concussion or brain injury, brain tumors, bowel obstruction, or appendicitis. If you think you are experiencing something more serious than general nausea and vomiting, seek medical attention.
Yes! It is not uncommon for us to feel nausea after drinking alcohol. Vomiting is a common result of alcohol consumption. Why? Alcohol irritates the lining of our stomach and slows the rate of digestion, which leads to fat building up in our liver, stomach, and pancreas secretions. The toxins released as we consume alcohol alert the “vomiting center” in our brain — the area postrema. The brain senses these toxins and tries to rid the body of them by signaling us to throw up.
So, if alcohol can cause nausea or make us throw up, how would smelling alcohol help us with it?
To answer that question, we have to understand the different types of alcohol:
When people recommend smelling alcohol to relieve nausea, they are not talking about sniffing an open bottle of vodka; they are talking about isopropyl alcohol (IPA).
But does it work? In some cases, a few big whiffs of rubbing alcohol can help alleviate nausea; however, there is limited scientific evidence to prove it.
One study found that isopropyl alcohol vapor aromatherapy provided faster relief of nausea and reduced the need for anti-nausea medications. Another study saw that inhaled isopropyl alcohol helped patients experiencing nausea in the emergency department.
Although the limited evidence seems promising, there is still no guarantee that sniffing IPA will relieve our nausea. Furthermore, inhaling too much isopropyl alcohol can irritate or paralyze our respiratory system. We need to be careful when trying to use isopropyl alcohol to help with nausea and remember that it might not work for everyone.
Smelling alcohol for nausea may work in some cases, but why? Since there has been limited research on this topic, we don’t know exactly how it can help with nausea. Some believe the strong smell of rubbing alcohol may be a distraction from our nausea. Another theory is that overloading our olfactory system (our sense of smell) overrides our senses and leads our brains to prioritize processing the strong scent over the feeling of nausea.
Much of the evidence that smelling alcohol helps with nausea is found in anecdotal reports of people feeling better. With the limited research conducted, it is hard to conclude the true mechanism, but we know it works for some people.
Smelling alcohol may not work for everyone, but other home remedies might help:
If nausea is persistent and home remedies do not help, seek medical attention. Physicians may suggest anti-nausea medications such as Ondansetron (Zofran), Metoclopramide, Olanzapine, or Promethazine.
Sniffing alcohol might help with nausea, but it’s important to know the difference between isopropyl alcohol and the alcohol we drink (ethanol). We should not consume isopropyl alcohol, and sniffing ethanol won’t do anything. Still, the science behind nausea relief from sniffing IPA is unclear and unproven. Either way, quitting or cutting back on drinking alcohol (ethanol) can help us avoid nausea.
Guidance on drinking alcohol during chemotherapy varies depending on the source. Check out our latest blog for more clarity on the effects of drinking while on chemo.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Chemotherapy is a challenging experience — it’s physically taxing, mentally draining, and the side effects seem to seep into just about every area of life. From physical changes to mood changes and strains on work and family life, it’s not controversial to say: chemotherapy (and cancer in general) sucks.
It’s plausible, then, that we might reach for a few drinks to relax when the stress of chemo has us feeling down. Unfortunately, that’s likely going to do more harm than good. Besides the fact that alcohol fuels depression and anxiety, cancer and excessive drinking have a somewhat reciprocal relationship. Over the years, more research has been done to show a more definitive link between alcohol as a cause of cancer. That being said, surveys also show that excessive drinking is common for cancer patients, even during chemotherapy.
Information online about the safety of drinking alcohol while on chemotherapy is a bit unclear, making it difficult to make our own informed decisions. That’s where we come in. This article will unpack the science behind the effects of alcohol on chemotherapy and come up with a clear answer. Let’s dive in!
Research has extensively linked alcohol to cancer. Recent changes to the American Cancer Society guidelines recommend avoiding alcohol in order to reduce the risk of developing cancer. While many factors are theorized to cause cancer, drinking alcohol directly leads to an increased risk of developing all different types of cancer.
What types of cancer, exactly? Well … all of them. To learn about specific threats, check out our blogs about alcohol-related risks of developing cancer in the throat, colon, liver, breast, and more.
Alcohol’s cancer threat stems from the metabolism of ethanol, the main component of alcohol. Ethanol is broken down by our liver into a toxic compound called acetaldehyde (ACH). ACH is classified as a carcinogen, or a substance that can cause cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies carcinogens into four different categories based on the strength of evidence for their cancer-causing properties: known carcinogens, probable carcinogens, possible carcinogens, and non-classifiable. ACH is a known carcinogen — confirming alcohol’s role in the risk of developing cancer.
Alcohol also disrupts the hormones that promote cell division and growth, depletes essential vitamins and nutrients, and damages the immune system’s innate cancer-fighting power. Drinking during chemo is incredibly common, either in spite of this information or because we aren’t aware of it. To understand the negative effects of drinking while on chemotherapy, let’s first take a look at what chemo is.
Although often described under the umbrella term “chemotherapy” (or “chemo,” for short), this treatment frequently consists of a range of different drugs that attack our cells in different cycles to prevent cancer cells from reproducing. Chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic, meaning they’re toxic to cells. They are also systemic, which means that they affect all the cells in the body — including healthy ones.
The same property that makes chemo effective at destroying cancer cells makes it dangerous to our healthy cells. This explains why chemo famously causes a reduction in our immune system function, making those of us undergoing chemo treatment immunocompromised. It also comes with a long list of uncomfortable side effects:
Through the long list of potential side effects, we can see the extensive impact that chemo has on our body. Treatment typically lasts anywhere from six months to a year, but sometimes runs longer. Because cancer can be pesky to treat, chemo is often used in conjunction with other approaches and supporting therapies that help to attack cancer from multiple angles and alleviate chemo side effects.
We know that chemotherapy and alcohol both have significant impacts on our body. Let’s see what experts suggest regarding drinking during chemo.
Every chemotherapy regimen is different, using a different combination of drugs delivered on a strict schedule. Following the schedule of chemo cycles is crucial, as the effectiveness of the treatment depends on having sufficient levels of chemo in our body to fight cancer cells. If there are known interactions between alcohol and our chemo medication, treatment cycles may need to be pushed back.
Research shows that missing doses of chemo is associated with increased mortality — which drinking can certainly play a role in. Even though not all chemo or supporting medications have direct interactions with alcohol, drinking can still open the door to many complications (which we’ll get into).
Since alcohol is so heavily tied to the risk of developing cancer, drinking during and after chemo can also increase the risk of recurrence. Chemo causes extreme strain on our body as evidenced by its sometimes debilitating side effects. Drinking alcohol on top of that adds additional strain, pushing our body even harder and adding to our discomfort.
Cancer treatment requires an exhaustive approach that combines different methods and treatments. Alcohol can disrupt chemo in many different ways.
Chemo consists of a combination of different drugs to provide the best chance to eliminate cancer, and alcohol has many known interactions with common drugs used during chemo treatment. It also interacts with other medications used to support cancer treatment including pain relievers, anti-nausea medication, and anti-anxiety drugs.
Let’s take a look at how alcohol interacts with some of the most common chemo drugs:
It’s best to consult with our oncology treatment team regarding specific interactions within our personalized medication regimen. Alcohol may not have direct interactions with all chemo treatment medications, but it can still cause negative effects. Medication and alcohol are metabolized in our liver — putting it into overdrive. This can lead to severe side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the chemo drugs.
Much like the link between alcohol and chemotherapy, drinking also causes harmful impacts on non-chemo cancer treatments. The following therapies are impacted by the negative effects of alcohol:
We can see that interactions between cancer treatments, chemotherapy, and alcohol can cause negative symptoms. As it turns out, the timing of our drinking has a lot to do with how alcohol affects our treatment.
Chemo is primarily administered in medical settings such as a doctor’s office or outpatient clinic. It’s usually given intravenously, but it can also be in the form of an injection or pill. While drinking is not recommended for cancer patients at any stage (even those in remission), let’s dive deeper into the guidelines for drinking immediately after receiving chemo and after all cycles of treatment are completed.
If there are no direct interactions between alcohol and our panel of chemo drugs, drinking immediately after a treatment session may not pose immediate risks or symptoms. However, it’s still not recommended as drinking can further aggravate the side effects of chemo.
Chemo drugs typically stay in our system for 3-7 days, depending on the drug. If we choose to drink, it’s best to wait until the chemo medication exits our system to minimize any adverse effects. Treatment schedules also vary between patients, so it’s important to keep in mind when our next round will be.
Fitting in a drink while on chemo is a balancing act that only adds to the burden of treatment. If you do decide to drink during your treatment plan, be sure to communicate clearly with the treatment team so they can account for all elements.
After all cycles of chemo are completed, drinking is still not recommended. Chemo may help some types of cancer, but, for more advanced cancers, it may only stop the cancer from spreading. This means that the cancer will require ongoing maintenance and therapy to delay progression.
For patients who are cancer-free after chemo is completed, drinking is still not a good idea. Although the correlation between drinking and increased risk of cancer recurrence is still being studied, alcohol is clearly correlated with an increased risk of cancer.
If we do choose to drink, it’s best to wait until chemo symptoms subside, and thereafter follow recommended guidelines for drinking in moderation. Choosing to drink during and after chemo opens up “Pandora’s box,” leading to a host of potential complications and consequences.
Cancer and chemo are extremely taxing on our body. Cancer cells attack from inside, and chemo can destroy healthy cells that decrease our immune defenses. During this vulnerable state, even having one standard drink is not recommended.
If our chemo medication and supporting treatments have direct interactions with alcohol, any amount will cause negative harm to the way the drug works in our system. If our chemo medication doesn’t have direct interactions, we may not see or feel immediate symptoms, but alcohol still stresses out our body when it’s fighting to heal. As such, it’s generally best to avoid alcohol entirely while on chemo.
Drinking during chemo can lead to direct and indirect effects on our health and our fight against cancer. It can make cancer treatment more demanding on our body given these consequences:
Drinking isn’t recommended in any amounts while on chemo, but hiding our drinking can cause even greater harm. Our treatment team will be better equipped to support us if we communicate honestly about our drinking habits. We can also make more intentional choices to help diminish the chances complicating our treatment.
Chemo can be an arduous journey that deserves celebration once completed. We can celebrate the end of chemo and a future of good health by implementing these intentional drinking habits:
While guidelines for the safety of drinking during chemo aren’t cut and dry, medical professionals are unlikely to recommend drinking during cancer treatment. Whether or not drinking increases the chance of cancer recurrence is still inconclusive. However, alcohol has a direct correlation with an increased risk of developing cancer.
Not all chemo medications have interactions with alcohol at face value, but many do, and alcohol can interfere with treatment success in the long run. Cancer treatment can be a long and arduous road — alcohol only makes it more difficult. Quitting or cutting back on alcohol helps keep chemo on track!
Chemotherapy is a challenging experience — it’s physically taxing, mentally draining, and the side effects seem to seep into just about every area of life. From physical changes to mood changes and strains on work and family life, it’s not controversial to say: chemotherapy (and cancer in general) sucks.
It’s plausible, then, that we might reach for a few drinks to relax when the stress of chemo has us feeling down. Unfortunately, that’s likely going to do more harm than good. Besides the fact that alcohol fuels depression and anxiety, cancer and excessive drinking have a somewhat reciprocal relationship. Over the years, more research has been done to show a more definitive link between alcohol as a cause of cancer. That being said, surveys also show that excessive drinking is common for cancer patients, even during chemotherapy.
Information online about the safety of drinking alcohol while on chemotherapy is a bit unclear, making it difficult to make our own informed decisions. That’s where we come in. This article will unpack the science behind the effects of alcohol on chemotherapy and come up with a clear answer. Let’s dive in!
Research has extensively linked alcohol to cancer. Recent changes to the American Cancer Society guidelines recommend avoiding alcohol in order to reduce the risk of developing cancer. While many factors are theorized to cause cancer, drinking alcohol directly leads to an increased risk of developing all different types of cancer.
What types of cancer, exactly? Well … all of them. To learn about specific threats, check out our blogs about alcohol-related risks of developing cancer in the throat, colon, liver, breast, and more.
Alcohol’s cancer threat stems from the metabolism of ethanol, the main component of alcohol. Ethanol is broken down by our liver into a toxic compound called acetaldehyde (ACH). ACH is classified as a carcinogen, or a substance that can cause cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies carcinogens into four different categories based on the strength of evidence for their cancer-causing properties: known carcinogens, probable carcinogens, possible carcinogens, and non-classifiable. ACH is a known carcinogen — confirming alcohol’s role in the risk of developing cancer.
Alcohol also disrupts the hormones that promote cell division and growth, depletes essential vitamins and nutrients, and damages the immune system’s innate cancer-fighting power. Drinking during chemo is incredibly common, either in spite of this information or because we aren’t aware of it. To understand the negative effects of drinking while on chemotherapy, let’s first take a look at what chemo is.
Although often described under the umbrella term “chemotherapy” (or “chemo,” for short), this treatment frequently consists of a range of different drugs that attack our cells in different cycles to prevent cancer cells from reproducing. Chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic, meaning they’re toxic to cells. They are also systemic, which means that they affect all the cells in the body — including healthy ones.
The same property that makes chemo effective at destroying cancer cells makes it dangerous to our healthy cells. This explains why chemo famously causes a reduction in our immune system function, making those of us undergoing chemo treatment immunocompromised. It also comes with a long list of uncomfortable side effects:
Through the long list of potential side effects, we can see the extensive impact that chemo has on our body. Treatment typically lasts anywhere from six months to a year, but sometimes runs longer. Because cancer can be pesky to treat, chemo is often used in conjunction with other approaches and supporting therapies that help to attack cancer from multiple angles and alleviate chemo side effects.
We know that chemotherapy and alcohol both have significant impacts on our body. Let’s see what experts suggest regarding drinking during chemo.
Every chemotherapy regimen is different, using a different combination of drugs delivered on a strict schedule. Following the schedule of chemo cycles is crucial, as the effectiveness of the treatment depends on having sufficient levels of chemo in our body to fight cancer cells. If there are known interactions between alcohol and our chemo medication, treatment cycles may need to be pushed back.
Research shows that missing doses of chemo is associated with increased mortality — which drinking can certainly play a role in. Even though not all chemo or supporting medications have direct interactions with alcohol, drinking can still open the door to many complications (which we’ll get into).
Since alcohol is so heavily tied to the risk of developing cancer, drinking during and after chemo can also increase the risk of recurrence. Chemo causes extreme strain on our body as evidenced by its sometimes debilitating side effects. Drinking alcohol on top of that adds additional strain, pushing our body even harder and adding to our discomfort.
Cancer treatment requires an exhaustive approach that combines different methods and treatments. Alcohol can disrupt chemo in many different ways.
Chemo consists of a combination of different drugs to provide the best chance to eliminate cancer, and alcohol has many known interactions with common drugs used during chemo treatment. It also interacts with other medications used to support cancer treatment including pain relievers, anti-nausea medication, and anti-anxiety drugs.
Let’s take a look at how alcohol interacts with some of the most common chemo drugs:
It’s best to consult with our oncology treatment team regarding specific interactions within our personalized medication regimen. Alcohol may not have direct interactions with all chemo treatment medications, but it can still cause negative effects. Medication and alcohol are metabolized in our liver — putting it into overdrive. This can lead to severe side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the chemo drugs.
Much like the link between alcohol and chemotherapy, drinking also causes harmful impacts on non-chemo cancer treatments. The following therapies are impacted by the negative effects of alcohol:
We can see that interactions between cancer treatments, chemotherapy, and alcohol can cause negative symptoms. As it turns out, the timing of our drinking has a lot to do with how alcohol affects our treatment.
Chemo is primarily administered in medical settings such as a doctor’s office or outpatient clinic. It’s usually given intravenously, but it can also be in the form of an injection or pill. While drinking is not recommended for cancer patients at any stage (even those in remission), let’s dive deeper into the guidelines for drinking immediately after receiving chemo and after all cycles of treatment are completed.
If there are no direct interactions between alcohol and our panel of chemo drugs, drinking immediately after a treatment session may not pose immediate risks or symptoms. However, it’s still not recommended as drinking can further aggravate the side effects of chemo.
Chemo drugs typically stay in our system for 3-7 days, depending on the drug. If we choose to drink, it’s best to wait until the chemo medication exits our system to minimize any adverse effects. Treatment schedules also vary between patients, so it’s important to keep in mind when our next round will be.
Fitting in a drink while on chemo is a balancing act that only adds to the burden of treatment. If you do decide to drink during your treatment plan, be sure to communicate clearly with the treatment team so they can account for all elements.
After all cycles of chemo are completed, drinking is still not recommended. Chemo may help some types of cancer, but, for more advanced cancers, it may only stop the cancer from spreading. This means that the cancer will require ongoing maintenance and therapy to delay progression.
For patients who are cancer-free after chemo is completed, drinking is still not a good idea. Although the correlation between drinking and increased risk of cancer recurrence is still being studied, alcohol is clearly correlated with an increased risk of cancer.
If we do choose to drink, it’s best to wait until chemo symptoms subside, and thereafter follow recommended guidelines for drinking in moderation. Choosing to drink during and after chemo opens up “Pandora’s box,” leading to a host of potential complications and consequences.
Cancer and chemo are extremely taxing on our body. Cancer cells attack from inside, and chemo can destroy healthy cells that decrease our immune defenses. During this vulnerable state, even having one standard drink is not recommended.
If our chemo medication and supporting treatments have direct interactions with alcohol, any amount will cause negative harm to the way the drug works in our system. If our chemo medication doesn’t have direct interactions, we may not see or feel immediate symptoms, but alcohol still stresses out our body when it’s fighting to heal. As such, it’s generally best to avoid alcohol entirely while on chemo.
Drinking during chemo can lead to direct and indirect effects on our health and our fight against cancer. It can make cancer treatment more demanding on our body given these consequences:
Drinking isn’t recommended in any amounts while on chemo, but hiding our drinking can cause even greater harm. Our treatment team will be better equipped to support us if we communicate honestly about our drinking habits. We can also make more intentional choices to help diminish the chances complicating our treatment.
Chemo can be an arduous journey that deserves celebration once completed. We can celebrate the end of chemo and a future of good health by implementing these intentional drinking habits:
While guidelines for the safety of drinking during chemo aren’t cut and dry, medical professionals are unlikely to recommend drinking during cancer treatment. Whether or not drinking increases the chance of cancer recurrence is still inconclusive. However, alcohol has a direct correlation with an increased risk of developing cancer.
Not all chemo medications have interactions with alcohol at face value, but many do, and alcohol can interfere with treatment success in the long run. Cancer treatment can be a long and arduous road — alcohol only makes it more difficult. Quitting or cutting back on alcohol helps keep chemo on track!
If you’ve had rhabdo before, can you drink alcohol now, or should you wait a few months? Learn the facts about rhabdomyolysis and alcohol on the Reframe blog.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
A 19-year-old consumed two liters of red wine. Six hours later, he entered the emergency room intoxicated, uneasy, and sore. He hadn’t taken any medications or other substances, and his medical history was completely unremarkable. After running numerous tests, however, the doctors spotted muscle damage and concluded he had alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis.
Fortunately, he was diagnosed and treated quickly and was able to make a full recovery. But what happens the next time his friends invite him out for drinks? Is it safe to drink alcohol after a rhabdo diagnosis?
Rhabdomyolysis, nicknamed “rhabdo,” is a rare, rapid breakdown of damaged muscle tissue. When our muscles are injured, they deteriorate, releasing a slew of proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream. This can worsen kidney function and alter the body’s electrolyte balance. If left untreated, rhabdomyolysis can even lead to organ failure.
Any form of muscle damage may cause rhabdo. The most common culprits are physical overexertion, traumatic injury, and excessive heat exposure. More rarely, muscle breakdown occurs due to drug and alcohol use, certain medications, or illnesses.
If left untreated, rhabdo can be deadly. Knowing the signs of this condition helps us seek medical care before it’s too late.
Clinicians identify rhabdomyolysis through a triad of symptoms: myalgia, myoglobinuria, and asthenia. For those of us who aren’t doctors, that translates to muscle pain, tea-colored urine, and weakness.
It’s important to note that experiencing all of these symptoms at once is a bit rare; fewer than 10% of us will have all three. Instead, we’ll probably just notice one common symptom — the dark, discolored urine emblematic of rhabdomyolysis.
The following symptoms are also associated with rhabdo:
Regardless of how your muscle damage manifests, prompt medical care is crucial. If you experience extreme muscle pain, dark urine, swelling, or any of the other symptoms outlined above, head to the hospital. This condition can be life-threatening.
When we have rhabdo, our deteriorating muscles dump a ton of potassium, phosphate, creatine kinase (CK), urate, and myoglobin into our bloodstream. All that gunk eventually reaches our kidneys, which may struggle to filter out those unexpected hemoglobinic pollutants. That’s a fast track to kidney failure and a whole host of other issues.
The consequences of rhabdo are serious. If left untreated, this condition can cause big problems:
Because rhabdomyolysis threatens our lives, we want to take every possible measure to avoid it. In addition to avoiding triggers like prolonged heat exposure and heavy exercise, we may want to consider one other lifestyle change — cutting back on our alcohol intake.
Alcohol is one of the lesser-known causes of rhabdo. Some patients develop this condition after episodes of intoxication or alcohol-induced comas (acute alcoholic myopathy). Others only exhibit symptoms after years of heavy drinking, which we call chronic alcoholic myopathy.
When we consume large amounts of alcohol, we become dehydrated and uninhibited. Both of these changes contribute to our risk of rhabdo. For example, our impaired judgment may lead us to make decisions we usually wouldn’t, resulting in muscle injury from falls or overexertion. These short-term risks may cause us to develop rhabdo.
There’s another facet to alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis: drinking accelerates the muscle breakdown associated with rhabdo. When our liver metabolizes the ethanol found in beer, wine, or cocktails, it produces carcinogenic acetaldehyde. This substance triggers the formation of free radicals — unstable, reactive molecules that destroy the protective membranes of our cells. Over time, this damage adds up, meaning that those of us who drink heavily in the long term may experience muscle breakdown, weakness, and (you guessed it) rhabdo.
So, what can we do if we have this condition? If your urine is tea-colored after drinking or you notice out-of-control muscle aches, you may need to go to the hospital.
Seek medical care immediately if you experience any symptoms of rhabdo. This potentially fatal condition isn’t one we can treat on our own — it requires expert clinical care.
As in most medical emergencies, prompt intervention for rhabdomyolysis is key. The sooner we get to the hospital, the better our outcome will be. Our medical team will strive to promote muscle healing, stop further muscle damage, and protect our kidney function.
All types of rhabdo, including alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis, are treated with fluid management. Mild cases may resolve with a combo of rest and lots of water. In moderate to severe instances, we might require “aggressive repletion” in the form of intravenous fluids administered at the hospital. Those typically include saline or a solution of glucose and sodium bicarbonate (commonly known as baking soda). The purpose of this approach is to flush out the muscle proteins that cause arrhythmia and kidney damage.
Because rhabdo is such a dangerous condition, scientists continue searching for more (and better) ways to treat it. At present, there is no standardized second-line treatment for those whose conditions aren’t improved by fluids. Fortunately, it seems like that’s changing.
Researchers from Tulane University found that corticosteroids dramatically improved the condition of an alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis patient who didn’t respond to fluid management. These drugs have a low toxicity profile, making them potentials option for those who don’t respond to aggressive repletion.
Additionally, medical experts have begun looking into ways to prevent recurrent episodes of rhabdomyolysis.
While we can’t completely eliminate the risk of rhabdo, we can make lifestyle changes that reduce it:
Any small change you make in the right direction will help you avoid rhabdo and improve your overall health.
Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol don’t mix, but can you drink at all after rhabdo? If so, how long should you wait? Is it okay to drink during treatment? Below is a quick reference guide answering the question, “How long after rhabdo can I drink alcohol?”
Abstaining from alcohol entirely is the safest option, but your doctor will have the best recommendations for your particular case.
The connection between alcohol and rhabdomyolysis is complex. Drinking contributes to muscle damage and weakens our immune system — a recipe for rhabdo recurrence. Our best bet is to enjoy some non-alcoholic alternatives while putting our well-being first.
If you start developing health conditions due to drinking, you may want to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. Reframe offers a framework to help you do just that. Our one-of-a-kind app provides daily inspiration and valuable information, whether you’re quitting or cutting back. You can also enjoy peer support in our 24/7 Forum or regular Zoom meetings. We’re with you every step of the way. Visit the App Store or Google Play today for more information.
A 19-year-old consumed two liters of red wine. Six hours later, he entered the emergency room intoxicated, uneasy, and sore. He hadn’t taken any medications or other substances, and his medical history was completely unremarkable. After running numerous tests, however, the doctors spotted muscle damage and concluded he had alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis.
Fortunately, he was diagnosed and treated quickly and was able to make a full recovery. But what happens the next time his friends invite him out for drinks? Is it safe to drink alcohol after a rhabdo diagnosis?
Rhabdomyolysis, nicknamed “rhabdo,” is a rare, rapid breakdown of damaged muscle tissue. When our muscles are injured, they deteriorate, releasing a slew of proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream. This can worsen kidney function and alter the body’s electrolyte balance. If left untreated, rhabdomyolysis can even lead to organ failure.
Any form of muscle damage may cause rhabdo. The most common culprits are physical overexertion, traumatic injury, and excessive heat exposure. More rarely, muscle breakdown occurs due to drug and alcohol use, certain medications, or illnesses.
If left untreated, rhabdo can be deadly. Knowing the signs of this condition helps us seek medical care before it’s too late.
Clinicians identify rhabdomyolysis through a triad of symptoms: myalgia, myoglobinuria, and asthenia. For those of us who aren’t doctors, that translates to muscle pain, tea-colored urine, and weakness.
It’s important to note that experiencing all of these symptoms at once is a bit rare; fewer than 10% of us will have all three. Instead, we’ll probably just notice one common symptom — the dark, discolored urine emblematic of rhabdomyolysis.
The following symptoms are also associated with rhabdo:
Regardless of how your muscle damage manifests, prompt medical care is crucial. If you experience extreme muscle pain, dark urine, swelling, or any of the other symptoms outlined above, head to the hospital. This condition can be life-threatening.
When we have rhabdo, our deteriorating muscles dump a ton of potassium, phosphate, creatine kinase (CK), urate, and myoglobin into our bloodstream. All that gunk eventually reaches our kidneys, which may struggle to filter out those unexpected hemoglobinic pollutants. That’s a fast track to kidney failure and a whole host of other issues.
The consequences of rhabdo are serious. If left untreated, this condition can cause big problems:
Because rhabdomyolysis threatens our lives, we want to take every possible measure to avoid it. In addition to avoiding triggers like prolonged heat exposure and heavy exercise, we may want to consider one other lifestyle change — cutting back on our alcohol intake.
Alcohol is one of the lesser-known causes of rhabdo. Some patients develop this condition after episodes of intoxication or alcohol-induced comas (acute alcoholic myopathy). Others only exhibit symptoms after years of heavy drinking, which we call chronic alcoholic myopathy.
When we consume large amounts of alcohol, we become dehydrated and uninhibited. Both of these changes contribute to our risk of rhabdo. For example, our impaired judgment may lead us to make decisions we usually wouldn’t, resulting in muscle injury from falls or overexertion. These short-term risks may cause us to develop rhabdo.
There’s another facet to alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis: drinking accelerates the muscle breakdown associated with rhabdo. When our liver metabolizes the ethanol found in beer, wine, or cocktails, it produces carcinogenic acetaldehyde. This substance triggers the formation of free radicals — unstable, reactive molecules that destroy the protective membranes of our cells. Over time, this damage adds up, meaning that those of us who drink heavily in the long term may experience muscle breakdown, weakness, and (you guessed it) rhabdo.
So, what can we do if we have this condition? If your urine is tea-colored after drinking or you notice out-of-control muscle aches, you may need to go to the hospital.
Seek medical care immediately if you experience any symptoms of rhabdo. This potentially fatal condition isn’t one we can treat on our own — it requires expert clinical care.
As in most medical emergencies, prompt intervention for rhabdomyolysis is key. The sooner we get to the hospital, the better our outcome will be. Our medical team will strive to promote muscle healing, stop further muscle damage, and protect our kidney function.
All types of rhabdo, including alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis, are treated with fluid management. Mild cases may resolve with a combo of rest and lots of water. In moderate to severe instances, we might require “aggressive repletion” in the form of intravenous fluids administered at the hospital. Those typically include saline or a solution of glucose and sodium bicarbonate (commonly known as baking soda). The purpose of this approach is to flush out the muscle proteins that cause arrhythmia and kidney damage.
Because rhabdo is such a dangerous condition, scientists continue searching for more (and better) ways to treat it. At present, there is no standardized second-line treatment for those whose conditions aren’t improved by fluids. Fortunately, it seems like that’s changing.
Researchers from Tulane University found that corticosteroids dramatically improved the condition of an alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis patient who didn’t respond to fluid management. These drugs have a low toxicity profile, making them potentials option for those who don’t respond to aggressive repletion.
Additionally, medical experts have begun looking into ways to prevent recurrent episodes of rhabdomyolysis.
While we can’t completely eliminate the risk of rhabdo, we can make lifestyle changes that reduce it:
Any small change you make in the right direction will help you avoid rhabdo and improve your overall health.
Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol don’t mix, but can you drink at all after rhabdo? If so, how long should you wait? Is it okay to drink during treatment? Below is a quick reference guide answering the question, “How long after rhabdo can I drink alcohol?”
Abstaining from alcohol entirely is the safest option, but your doctor will have the best recommendations for your particular case.
The connection between alcohol and rhabdomyolysis is complex. Drinking contributes to muscle damage and weakens our immune system — a recipe for rhabdo recurrence. Our best bet is to enjoy some non-alcoholic alternatives while putting our well-being first.
If you start developing health conditions due to drinking, you may want to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. Reframe offers a framework to help you do just that. Our one-of-a-kind app provides daily inspiration and valuable information, whether you’re quitting or cutting back. You can also enjoy peer support in our 24/7 Forum or regular Zoom meetings. We’re with you every step of the way. Visit the App Store or Google Play today for more information.
Did you know that alcohol is just as harmful to the muscles as it is to the liver? Learn all about alcoholic myopathy and how it’s treated in our latest blog!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
We all know those muscle aches we wake up with the morning after we finish a long hike, try a new kickboxing workout, or stretch our limbs in a new yoga routine. But maybe you’ve experienced this effect after a night of drinking. What gives? Was there a set of jumping jacks (or 10, or 20) you forgot you did between rounds of Trivia Night? Or did a night out on the town magically serve as an equivalent of a trip to the gym?
Turns out, booze itself might be the culprit. Alcohol can induce a condition known as alcoholic myopathy, an uncomfortable muscle condition. How does alcohol cause muscle weakness? What’s the connection between alcohol, muscle wasting, and muscle weakness after drinking? And why do alcoholics have skinny legs? Let’s learn what those sore muscles after drinking are all about — and what we can do about it!
Derived from the Greek “myo” (muscle) and “pathy” (suffering), the term myopathy describes various types of muscle disease. What’s behind this “muscle suffering?” It could have a number of different causes, but the result is that the structure, metabolism, or function of our skeletal muscles is affected to the point of interfering with our daily life.
Myopathy can be chronic or acute. Symptoms can range from mildly unpleasant to downright debilitating:
The causes can vary, but generally fall into two categories: inherited and acquired.
Inherited myopathy includes congenital myopathies (in which all muscles are usually affected), those caused by mitochondrial deficiencies, metabolic myopathies (caused by faulty metabolic processes that deplete the muscles of resources they need to function) and muscular dystrophies (progressive degeneration of muscles).
Acquired myopathies, on the other hand, have a number of possible causes ranging from autoimmune or inflammatory diseases to endocrine issues, electrolyte imbalances, illness, and — yes — toxins, such as alcohol.
Early detection is key! A healthcare professional can help pinpoint the root of the problem and make an accurate diagnosis. In the case of alcoholic myopathy, we can do a great deal of prevention before we even get to the point of symptoms.
So what does alcohol have to do with it? Can it really affect our muscles? Science says yes! While the mechanism isn’t very well understood, the connection between muscle weakness, alcohol, muscle atrophy, and muscle pain is well-documented and can lead to serious problems if left unaddressed.
How common is alcoholic myopathy? According to an Alcohol Research article, as many as 40 to 60% of people diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) will develop alcoholic myopathy. While the liver gets the most airtime when it comes to the negative effects of alcohol on the body, muscle disease is actually about 5 times more common.
Alcoholic myopathy can be acute (arising after a heavy binge) or chronic (building up over time). Here are the signs of each:
There are three main ways in which alcohol messes with our muscles:
While these three are the main mechanisms behind alcoholic myopathy, booze contributes in other ways as well. Its tendency to cause inflammation can make matters worse. It can also cause oxidative stress (a process that contributes to tissue damage), mitochondrial dysfunction (glitches in the ways muscle cells use energy), and epigenetic changes that tweak the cellular processes supporting muscle function.
Finally, alcohol can also make it more difficult to bounce back from tissue injuries — not just because of its effects on muscle growth, but by causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
How long does alcoholic myopathy take to develop? It depends. For some of us, the symptoms start cropping up sooner rather than later. However, there are a few factors that tend to make chronic alcoholic myopathy in particular more likely to show up.
Now for the big question, can alcoholic myopathy be reversed? Yes, it can (Phew!). If we go easy on the booze, our muscles have a chance to recover. There are several strategies doctors use to give our muscles a helping hand.
So what can you do to give your muscles (and the rest of your body and mind) a breather when it comes to alcohol? Here are a few tips:
We rarely think about how much our muscles do for us every day until something goes wrong or doesn’t feel quite like it should. Let’s be proactive about our health — both when it comes to our muscles and in our journey to a happier, healthier version of ourselves. In the words of writer Haruki Murakami, “I move, therefore I am.” So let’s keep moving!
We all know those muscle aches we wake up with the morning after we finish a long hike, try a new kickboxing workout, or stretch our limbs in a new yoga routine. But maybe you’ve experienced this effect after a night of drinking. What gives? Was there a set of jumping jacks (or 10, or 20) you forgot you did between rounds of Trivia Night? Or did a night out on the town magically serve as an equivalent of a trip to the gym?
Turns out, booze itself might be the culprit. Alcohol can induce a condition known as alcoholic myopathy, an uncomfortable muscle condition. How does alcohol cause muscle weakness? What’s the connection between alcohol, muscle wasting, and muscle weakness after drinking? And why do alcoholics have skinny legs? Let’s learn what those sore muscles after drinking are all about — and what we can do about it!
Derived from the Greek “myo” (muscle) and “pathy” (suffering), the term myopathy describes various types of muscle disease. What’s behind this “muscle suffering?” It could have a number of different causes, but the result is that the structure, metabolism, or function of our skeletal muscles is affected to the point of interfering with our daily life.
Myopathy can be chronic or acute. Symptoms can range from mildly unpleasant to downright debilitating:
The causes can vary, but generally fall into two categories: inherited and acquired.
Inherited myopathy includes congenital myopathies (in which all muscles are usually affected), those caused by mitochondrial deficiencies, metabolic myopathies (caused by faulty metabolic processes that deplete the muscles of resources they need to function) and muscular dystrophies (progressive degeneration of muscles).
Acquired myopathies, on the other hand, have a number of possible causes ranging from autoimmune or inflammatory diseases to endocrine issues, electrolyte imbalances, illness, and — yes — toxins, such as alcohol.
Early detection is key! A healthcare professional can help pinpoint the root of the problem and make an accurate diagnosis. In the case of alcoholic myopathy, we can do a great deal of prevention before we even get to the point of symptoms.
So what does alcohol have to do with it? Can it really affect our muscles? Science says yes! While the mechanism isn’t very well understood, the connection between muscle weakness, alcohol, muscle atrophy, and muscle pain is well-documented and can lead to serious problems if left unaddressed.
How common is alcoholic myopathy? According to an Alcohol Research article, as many as 40 to 60% of people diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) will develop alcoholic myopathy. While the liver gets the most airtime when it comes to the negative effects of alcohol on the body, muscle disease is actually about 5 times more common.
Alcoholic myopathy can be acute (arising after a heavy binge) or chronic (building up over time). Here are the signs of each:
There are three main ways in which alcohol messes with our muscles:
While these three are the main mechanisms behind alcoholic myopathy, booze contributes in other ways as well. Its tendency to cause inflammation can make matters worse. It can also cause oxidative stress (a process that contributes to tissue damage), mitochondrial dysfunction (glitches in the ways muscle cells use energy), and epigenetic changes that tweak the cellular processes supporting muscle function.
Finally, alcohol can also make it more difficult to bounce back from tissue injuries — not just because of its effects on muscle growth, but by causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
How long does alcoholic myopathy take to develop? It depends. For some of us, the symptoms start cropping up sooner rather than later. However, there are a few factors that tend to make chronic alcoholic myopathy in particular more likely to show up.
Now for the big question, can alcoholic myopathy be reversed? Yes, it can (Phew!). If we go easy on the booze, our muscles have a chance to recover. There are several strategies doctors use to give our muscles a helping hand.
So what can you do to give your muscles (and the rest of your body and mind) a breather when it comes to alcohol? Here are a few tips:
We rarely think about how much our muscles do for us every day until something goes wrong or doesn’t feel quite like it should. Let’s be proactive about our health — both when it comes to our muscles and in our journey to a happier, healthier version of ourselves. In the words of writer Haruki Murakami, “I move, therefore I am.” So let’s keep moving!
Worried about esophagus cancer and wondering if alcohol might be one of the causes? Learn about the science behind the link in our latest blog!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Many of us remember when Robert Kardashian — O.J. Simpson’s notorious lawyer and Kris Kardashian’s first husband — was diagnosed with esophagus cancer. It seemed to take hold with lightning speed, leaving him unable to talk and eat within weeks. Kardashian passed away only two months after his diagnosis, at age 59.
No matter what you might think of Robert Kardashian — or the whole Kardashian clan for that matter — we can agree that esophagus cancer is a serious, devastating problem. It is estimated that 22,370 new cases will be diagnosed and 16,130 lives will be lost to the disease in 2024.
The good news is that esophageal cancer can be prevented by avoiding two of the main causes: smoking and alcohol use. How does alcohol affect the esophagus? And how can we protect ourselves from the risk? In this article, we will explore the connection between drinking and esophageal cancer and how we can minimize our risks.
Esophageal cancer, or cancer of the esophagus, forms when cells in the lining of the esophagus begin to grow out of control. The esophagus, also known as the “food pipe,” allows everything we chew and swallow to slide down into our stomach to be digested. While esophagus cancer can start anywhere along this 10-13 inch-long tube, it falls into one of two basic types:
Though it originates in the esophagus, esophageal cancer can spread to other parts of the body in three ways: through body tissue, via the lymphatic system, and through blood. When a doctor makes a diagnosis, the rate at which the cancer has spread will be marked by “stage” numbers ranging from 1 to 4. The lower the number, the better the prognosis — in earlier stages, it might be possible to remove the cancer completely!
Because its symptoms often overlap with other diseases, esophageal cancer tends to sneak up on its victims. What seems like an innocent cough or bout of indigestion could be something more, especially if it persists and comes with other symptoms. Check with your doctor if you have any doubts!
Here are some of the most common symptoms:
While some of these symptoms are a clear sign of a problem, others are more subtle and are not necessarily a sign that something is seriously wrong. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have concerns checked out to catch any problems before they get worse (or just to put our minds at ease!).
The tissues of our digestive tract are sensitive, and many things can irritate them, damaging cells and causing potentially cancerous mutations over time. Here are a few common causes:
What happens if we go to the doctor and they suspect esophagus cancer? They will run several tests to make a diagnosis or rule it out:
All these tests can seem overwhelming, but your medical team won’t run any that aren’t necessary. Either way, it’s worth it to have peace of mind and, if necessary, early treatment.
Treatment for esophageal cancer depends on the stage (how much the cancer has spread), the size of the tumor, and whether or not the lymph nodes have been affected. While earlier stages can be treated and sometimes cured, the situation gets increasingly difficult in later stages. This is why it’s so important to get tested as soon as we suspect something is wrong.
Treatment usually involves a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. Because these methods often come with some severe side effects of their own, we may need additional help maintaining proper nutrition. It’s a challenging time, but staying hopeful is crucial! Recovery is possible, and being in the right mindset is critical when it comes to giving ourselves the best possible chance. The body’s ability to heal is amazing, and we’re stronger than we think!
Now that we have an idea of what esophageal cancer is and how it’s treated, let’s take a closer look at one of its potential triggers — alcohol.
Alcohol is a carcinogen, meaning it is a cancer-causing substance. It is responsible for many types of cancer, including liver cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer (or cancer in the colon and/or rectum), and, yes, esophageal cancer.
The CDC makes it clear: “The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk for cancer.” The type of alcohol doesn’t matter, either: “All alcoholic drinks, including red and white wine, beer, and liquor, are linked with cancer. The more you drink, the higher your cancer risk.”
According to the WHO, as many as 4% of all cancers diagnosed around the world in 2020 could be linked to drinking. In the U.S., alcohol-related cancers add up to about 75,000 cases and claim up to 19,000 lives each year.
But what is it about alcohol that makes it carcinogenic? There are a few different mechanisms behind alcohol’s cancer-causing properties, but all of them come down to how alcohol interacts with the cells in our body.
So is it all doom and gloom, or is there something we can do to minimize our risk? The good news is that by staying away from booze, we are much less likely to develop esophagus cancer (assuming we don’t continue or pick up smoking and other risky habits).
The process of getting to “low risk” status can take time, but it’s certainly worth it. One pooled analysis showed that after not drinking alcohol for 20 years, people who used to drink regularly had the same risk of esophageal cancer as those who never drank at all. That’s reassuring!
Alcohol-related risk of other cancers also decreases over time as we stop using or cut back on alcohol. Even if the cancer risk doesn’t vanish immediately, our body will begin to heal the moment we make a change. We can also look at it this way: while we can’t guarantee a life without illness if we quit or cut back on drinking, we can guarantee that our risk for cancer continues to rise by continuing to drink too much.
Is there anything else we can do to minimize our risk of esophageal cancer? Absolutely! Some relatively small lifestyle modifications can work wonders when it comes to improving our chances of living a long, happy life:
Esophagus cancer is a heavy topic, but it’s encouraging to know there are ways to decrease our risk. Let’s thank our bodies for the incredible work they do by giving them the care they deserve! In the words of author Jess C. Scott, “The human body is the best work of art.” It’s never too late to give this work of art a bit of extra attention and love.
Many of us remember when Robert Kardashian — O.J. Simpson’s notorious lawyer and Kris Kardashian’s first husband — was diagnosed with esophagus cancer. It seemed to take hold with lightning speed, leaving him unable to talk and eat within weeks. Kardashian passed away only two months after his diagnosis, at age 59.
No matter what you might think of Robert Kardashian — or the whole Kardashian clan for that matter — we can agree that esophagus cancer is a serious, devastating problem. It is estimated that 22,370 new cases will be diagnosed and 16,130 lives will be lost to the disease in 2024.
The good news is that esophageal cancer can be prevented by avoiding two of the main causes: smoking and alcohol use. How does alcohol affect the esophagus? And how can we protect ourselves from the risk? In this article, we will explore the connection between drinking and esophageal cancer and how we can minimize our risks.
Esophageal cancer, or cancer of the esophagus, forms when cells in the lining of the esophagus begin to grow out of control. The esophagus, also known as the “food pipe,” allows everything we chew and swallow to slide down into our stomach to be digested. While esophagus cancer can start anywhere along this 10-13 inch-long tube, it falls into one of two basic types:
Though it originates in the esophagus, esophageal cancer can spread to other parts of the body in three ways: through body tissue, via the lymphatic system, and through blood. When a doctor makes a diagnosis, the rate at which the cancer has spread will be marked by “stage” numbers ranging from 1 to 4. The lower the number, the better the prognosis — in earlier stages, it might be possible to remove the cancer completely!
Because its symptoms often overlap with other diseases, esophageal cancer tends to sneak up on its victims. What seems like an innocent cough or bout of indigestion could be something more, especially if it persists and comes with other symptoms. Check with your doctor if you have any doubts!
Here are some of the most common symptoms:
While some of these symptoms are a clear sign of a problem, others are more subtle and are not necessarily a sign that something is seriously wrong. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have concerns checked out to catch any problems before they get worse (or just to put our minds at ease!).
The tissues of our digestive tract are sensitive, and many things can irritate them, damaging cells and causing potentially cancerous mutations over time. Here are a few common causes:
What happens if we go to the doctor and they suspect esophagus cancer? They will run several tests to make a diagnosis or rule it out:
All these tests can seem overwhelming, but your medical team won’t run any that aren’t necessary. Either way, it’s worth it to have peace of mind and, if necessary, early treatment.
Treatment for esophageal cancer depends on the stage (how much the cancer has spread), the size of the tumor, and whether or not the lymph nodes have been affected. While earlier stages can be treated and sometimes cured, the situation gets increasingly difficult in later stages. This is why it’s so important to get tested as soon as we suspect something is wrong.
Treatment usually involves a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. Because these methods often come with some severe side effects of their own, we may need additional help maintaining proper nutrition. It’s a challenging time, but staying hopeful is crucial! Recovery is possible, and being in the right mindset is critical when it comes to giving ourselves the best possible chance. The body’s ability to heal is amazing, and we’re stronger than we think!
Now that we have an idea of what esophageal cancer is and how it’s treated, let’s take a closer look at one of its potential triggers — alcohol.
Alcohol is a carcinogen, meaning it is a cancer-causing substance. It is responsible for many types of cancer, including liver cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer (or cancer in the colon and/or rectum), and, yes, esophageal cancer.
The CDC makes it clear: “The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk for cancer.” The type of alcohol doesn’t matter, either: “All alcoholic drinks, including red and white wine, beer, and liquor, are linked with cancer. The more you drink, the higher your cancer risk.”
According to the WHO, as many as 4% of all cancers diagnosed around the world in 2020 could be linked to drinking. In the U.S., alcohol-related cancers add up to about 75,000 cases and claim up to 19,000 lives each year.
But what is it about alcohol that makes it carcinogenic? There are a few different mechanisms behind alcohol’s cancer-causing properties, but all of them come down to how alcohol interacts with the cells in our body.
So is it all doom and gloom, or is there something we can do to minimize our risk? The good news is that by staying away from booze, we are much less likely to develop esophagus cancer (assuming we don’t continue or pick up smoking and other risky habits).
The process of getting to “low risk” status can take time, but it’s certainly worth it. One pooled analysis showed that after not drinking alcohol for 20 years, people who used to drink regularly had the same risk of esophageal cancer as those who never drank at all. That’s reassuring!
Alcohol-related risk of other cancers also decreases over time as we stop using or cut back on alcohol. Even if the cancer risk doesn’t vanish immediately, our body will begin to heal the moment we make a change. We can also look at it this way: while we can’t guarantee a life without illness if we quit or cut back on drinking, we can guarantee that our risk for cancer continues to rise by continuing to drink too much.
Is there anything else we can do to minimize our risk of esophageal cancer? Absolutely! Some relatively small lifestyle modifications can work wonders when it comes to improving our chances of living a long, happy life:
Esophagus cancer is a heavy topic, but it’s encouraging to know there are ways to decrease our risk. Let’s thank our bodies for the incredible work they do by giving them the care they deserve! In the words of author Jess C. Scott, “The human body is the best work of art.” It’s never too late to give this work of art a bit of extra attention and love.
Alcohol dehydrates us by contributing to fluid loss. Hydrating with water before, during, and after drinking alcohol is important to avoid potential harmful side effects.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Feeling groggy? Does it seem like no matter how much water you drink, you’re still thirsty? These are signs of dehydration. Does alcohol make you dehydrated? There are many things that can make you dehydrated, but alcohol is a notorious one!
Let’s delve deeper into the science behind dehydration, how alcohol dehydrates us, and ways we can treat and avoid excessive dehydration from alcohol.
Our body requires water and fluids to maintain normal functions. Dehydration is when we lose more fluids than we take in. Water and other fluids in our body are important for regulating body temperature, keeping our tissues (such as eyes, nose, and mouth) moist, protecting organs and tissues, carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells, and dissolving minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to our body. When we get dehydrated, our body is unable to regulate these important functions, putting us at risk of various health complications.
We can become dehydrated from simply not drinking enough water. Whether we’re too busy and forget to drink water, have a lack of access to safe water, or we don’t have enough water while traveling, hiking, or camping, there are many reasons we might not be getting enough H2O throughout our day. However, these are not the only reasons our body loses fluids. Let’s look at some other ways we may lose electrolytes or fluids from our body:
No matter the cause of our dehydration, it’s important for us to replenish our fluids as soon as possible. Being dehydrated can lead to some serious consequences, which we’ll investigate further.
When our body lacks fluids, it can lead to many health risks. First, let’s take a look at some basic signs and symptoms of dehydration.
If we notice these symptoms, we should increase our fluid intake. But what happens if our dehydration goes untreated for a long period of time? Well, it can get pretty serious. Let’s take a look at some health consequences caused by severe dehydration:
Severe and lasting dehydration is extremely dangerous and usually requires medical treatment, whereas most cases of mild or moderate dehydration can be resolved by drinking more fluids. But what about alcohol dehydration?
Alcohol can lead to dehydration, but why does alcohol dehydrate you? There are several ways alcohol can dehydrate us. When we drink alcohol, it gets absorbed into our bloodstream through our stomach but mostly through our small intestines. From there, the alcohol is processed by enzymes in the liver. As the liver breaks down the alcohol, it is converted into a substance called acetaldehyde, which can be toxic in high doses. Our liver quickly works to break down acetaldehyde into acetate. According to science, about 90% of alcohol is eliminated by our liver, but 2-5% of alcohol leaves our body through urine, sweat, or breath. And since alcohol increases our heart rate, it makes us sweat more, which accelerates how fast we become dehydrated.
Since alcohol travels through the bloodstream, it can travel to other areas of our body including the pituitary gland in our brain. The pituitary gland is responsible for regulating our growth, metabolism, and reproduction by creating and regulating hormones. When alcohol reaches the pituitary gland, it blocks the creation of vasopressin, which is known as the antidiuretic hormone or the hormone that helps us retain fluid in our body. Blocking this antidiuretic hormone causes fluids to pass directly through the kidneys to our bladder, which is why we have to pee way more while drinking alcohol. This effect is why alcohol is often thought of as a diuretic.
Additional ways we can become dehydrated after drinking include vomiting from the alcohol, losing fluids and developing an electrolyte imbalance, and not drinking enough water before or after consuming alcohol. Dehydration is also a common effect of hangovers, and for a more in-depth look, check out our blog: “The Science Behind Hangovers: Why They Last as Long as They Do.”
So, we’ve been drinking and are not sure if we’re dehydrated or not. Let’s find out by checking out some of the most common signs of alcohol dehydration:
If we’re experiencing any of these after excessive alcohol consumption, we could have alcohol dehydration, which can result in serious health consequences.
We know alcohol can make us dehydrated, but not everyone gets dehydrated at the same rate. Let’s go through some reasons why dehydration from alcohol may impact different people differently.
All these factors contribute to the severity of dehydration we get after drinking alcohol. So what can we do about it?
We’ve had a night out, and the next morning we wake up and aren’t feeling well. How should we combat our alcohol dehydration? Let’s review some ways we can rehydrate and feel better.
It’s important to rehydrate properly after drinking alcohol. This will allow us to recover and feel better for the day.
Although we can’t fully prevent dehydration that accompanies drinking alcohol, we can take steps to help our body process the alcohol and lessen the effects of dehydration. Let’s review some things we can do before drinking alcohol to prevent severe dehydration.
Following these tips can help prevent our dehydration from becoming extreme after drinking.
Alcohol dehydrates us through its diuretic effect and contributes to fluid loss through sweating or vomiting. Extreme dehydration for a long period of time can be extremely damaging to our body and can even be fatal. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, and if we’re going to be drinking alcohol, be sure to include water whenever possible.
Feeling groggy? Does it seem like no matter how much water you drink, you’re still thirsty? These are signs of dehydration. Does alcohol make you dehydrated? There are many things that can make you dehydrated, but alcohol is a notorious one!
Let’s delve deeper into the science behind dehydration, how alcohol dehydrates us, and ways we can treat and avoid excessive dehydration from alcohol.
Our body requires water and fluids to maintain normal functions. Dehydration is when we lose more fluids than we take in. Water and other fluids in our body are important for regulating body temperature, keeping our tissues (such as eyes, nose, and mouth) moist, protecting organs and tissues, carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells, and dissolving minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to our body. When we get dehydrated, our body is unable to regulate these important functions, putting us at risk of various health complications.
We can become dehydrated from simply not drinking enough water. Whether we’re too busy and forget to drink water, have a lack of access to safe water, or we don’t have enough water while traveling, hiking, or camping, there are many reasons we might not be getting enough H2O throughout our day. However, these are not the only reasons our body loses fluids. Let’s look at some other ways we may lose electrolytes or fluids from our body:
No matter the cause of our dehydration, it’s important for us to replenish our fluids as soon as possible. Being dehydrated can lead to some serious consequences, which we’ll investigate further.
When our body lacks fluids, it can lead to many health risks. First, let’s take a look at some basic signs and symptoms of dehydration.
If we notice these symptoms, we should increase our fluid intake. But what happens if our dehydration goes untreated for a long period of time? Well, it can get pretty serious. Let’s take a look at some health consequences caused by severe dehydration:
Severe and lasting dehydration is extremely dangerous and usually requires medical treatment, whereas most cases of mild or moderate dehydration can be resolved by drinking more fluids. But what about alcohol dehydration?
Alcohol can lead to dehydration, but why does alcohol dehydrate you? There are several ways alcohol can dehydrate us. When we drink alcohol, it gets absorbed into our bloodstream through our stomach but mostly through our small intestines. From there, the alcohol is processed by enzymes in the liver. As the liver breaks down the alcohol, it is converted into a substance called acetaldehyde, which can be toxic in high doses. Our liver quickly works to break down acetaldehyde into acetate. According to science, about 90% of alcohol is eliminated by our liver, but 2-5% of alcohol leaves our body through urine, sweat, or breath. And since alcohol increases our heart rate, it makes us sweat more, which accelerates how fast we become dehydrated.
Since alcohol travels through the bloodstream, it can travel to other areas of our body including the pituitary gland in our brain. The pituitary gland is responsible for regulating our growth, metabolism, and reproduction by creating and regulating hormones. When alcohol reaches the pituitary gland, it blocks the creation of vasopressin, which is known as the antidiuretic hormone or the hormone that helps us retain fluid in our body. Blocking this antidiuretic hormone causes fluids to pass directly through the kidneys to our bladder, which is why we have to pee way more while drinking alcohol. This effect is why alcohol is often thought of as a diuretic.
Additional ways we can become dehydrated after drinking include vomiting from the alcohol, losing fluids and developing an electrolyte imbalance, and not drinking enough water before or after consuming alcohol. Dehydration is also a common effect of hangovers, and for a more in-depth look, check out our blog: “The Science Behind Hangovers: Why They Last as Long as They Do.”
So, we’ve been drinking and are not sure if we’re dehydrated or not. Let’s find out by checking out some of the most common signs of alcohol dehydration:
If we’re experiencing any of these after excessive alcohol consumption, we could have alcohol dehydration, which can result in serious health consequences.
We know alcohol can make us dehydrated, but not everyone gets dehydrated at the same rate. Let’s go through some reasons why dehydration from alcohol may impact different people differently.
All these factors contribute to the severity of dehydration we get after drinking alcohol. So what can we do about it?
We’ve had a night out, and the next morning we wake up and aren’t feeling well. How should we combat our alcohol dehydration? Let’s review some ways we can rehydrate and feel better.
It’s important to rehydrate properly after drinking alcohol. This will allow us to recover and feel better for the day.
Although we can’t fully prevent dehydration that accompanies drinking alcohol, we can take steps to help our body process the alcohol and lessen the effects of dehydration. Let’s review some things we can do before drinking alcohol to prevent severe dehydration.
Following these tips can help prevent our dehydration from becoming extreme after drinking.
Alcohol dehydrates us through its diuretic effect and contributes to fluid loss through sweating or vomiting. Extreme dehydration for a long period of time can be extremely damaging to our body and can even be fatal. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, and if we’re going to be drinking alcohol, be sure to include water whenever possible.
Discover why Ambien and alcohol don’t mix, the bad side effects of Ambien, and whether this drug is addictive. We’re answering all your sleep med questions on today’s blog.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
After yet another night of tossing and turning, you decide to ask your doctor about medications for insomnia. You’ve only heard of one — Ambien — but you’re not sure whether it’s a good fit for your symptoms. It seems like a pretty serious drug; can you even drink while taking it?
No, you can’t mix alcohol and Ambien. Why not?
Today, we’re exploring the dangerous combination of taking Ambien with alcohol. We’ll also answer your frequently asked questions about this sleep med, including “Is Ambien addictive?” and “Can you take Ambien every night?”
Ambien, available under the generic name zolpidem, is a prescription drug used to treat insomnia — difficulty falling or staying asleep — in adults. It’s part of a drug class called “sedative-hypnotics,” which includes most sleeping pills and tranquilizers.
Ambien works by activating a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid, for our fellow neuroscience fans), which inhibits neuronal behaviors responsible for insomnia. It’s so strong that most of us will be out like a light within 30 minutes of taking it.
Despite that efficacy, zolpidem isn’t prescribed much these days. There are three reasons that Ambien has fallen from popularity: its harsh side effects, addictive potential, and severe interactions with substances like alcohol.
Like any medication, Ambien is associated with side effects. While some issues may only manifest when starting the drug or upping our dose, we should talk to our doctor about those that don’t improve over time. The following are considered common complications of zolpidem:
Doctors classify certain side effects as severe; if we experience any of these, we should immediately seek medical attention:
When people talk about the bad side effects of Ambien, they’re usually talking about the dangerous sleep behaviors associated with this drug. While under the influence of zolpidem, some patients have gotten out of bed and driven their cars, sleepwalked, prepared food, or initiated sex with their partners. They were fully unaware the entire time. Upon waking, they could not remember doing any of it. If we learn that we have engaged in any activity while taking Ambien, we should discontinue the medication and contact our doctor immediately.
While Ambien is technically less habit-forming than benzodiazepines (Valium and Xanax, to name a few), it still has a high addictive potential. Our body becomes accustomed to the neurochemical changes associated with the drug, which means that we might develop a tolerance for zolpidem and need more of it to achieve the same effect.
We may also experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, rebound insomnia, anxiety, and even seizures when we skip a dose. This occurs because the brain expects Ambien-induced neurochemical activity every night. When that doesn’t happen, our brain kicks into high gear in an attempt to reach equilibrium.
At the same time, we begin to associate Ambien with sleep and may doubt our ability to get a good night’s rest on our own. Some people take more of the drug than recommended or ask their doctor to continue prescribing it. Over time, this combination of physical and psychological dependence can develop into a full-blown addiction.
So, is it safe to take 5mg of Ambien every night? What about 10mg?
We can take Ambien every night for the duration of our treatment, which should not exceed six weeks. Most of us will only receive prescriptions lasting between a few days and four weeks. This is because the FDA specifically cautions providers that long-term administration of this drug is not recommended, and “treatment should be as short as possible.”
To put it more directly: we may take Ambien every night while it is prescribed to us, but we probably won’t be on it for very long. Part of the reason for the FDA’s warning is the risk of dependence (as outlined above). Another deterrent is Ambien’s strong interaction with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants like alcohol.
Both Ambien and alcohol are CNS depressants, which means they slow down our brain’s activity. When combined, the depressant effects of both the drug and the drink are doubled, which impairs us further and makes us vulnerable to life-threatening health problems.
For example, combining alcohol and Ambien can cause severe levels of sedation, cognitive impairment, and worsened motor functioning. This makes us more likely to fall, accidentally injure ourselves, or make poor decisions with lasting consequences.
However, there’s a much bigger risk of mixing these substances. Together, Ambien and alcohol may cause respiratory depression. This is the medical term for slow, shallow breathing that causes carbon dioxide to build up in our blood and reduces the amount of oxygen that can reach our lungs. We may not realize anything is wrong and think we’re just falling asleep. Our loved ones might observe symptoms like labored breathing, blue skin, nausea, headache, and fatigue. Respiratory depression is a leading cause of fatal overdoses.
If your doctor has prescribed Ambien, they have determined that the benefits of this drug outweigh the downsides associated with it. By following their advice and the medication guidelines, we can stay safe while taking zolpidem. There are a few best practices we can follow while on this medication:
Before starting any new prescription drug regimen, it’s a good idea to do some research about the way your meds can interact with substances like alcohol.
Because of the risks inherent in mixing these two substances, it’s best to abstain entirely from alcohol while taking Ambien.
If we must imbibe, it’s crucial to wait for alcohol to completely leave our system before taking this sedative-hypnotic medication. How long that process takes depends on our weight, gender, and what we drink.
While the internet is full of estimates — for example, it generally takes an hour for the average person to metabolize a standard drink versus 14 to 17 hours to clear Ambien from their system — it’s best to talk to our doctor instead of guessing when it’ll be safe to take sleeping pills after drinking. The risks are too great to leave it up to chance.
Most medical professionals will assure us that it’s never a good idea to combine Ambien and alcohol. If we’ve been prescribed this drug and drink often, we should discuss our alcohol intake with our primary care provider and come up with a new plan moving forward. After all, there are plenty of substitutes for zolpidem.
Ambien isn’t the only option for those of us struggling with insomnia. To improve our sleep quality without taking zolpidem, let’s consider other medications, herbal remedies, supplements, and behavioral changes.
First, we can talk to our doctor about prescription alternatives to Ambien. Sleep aids like Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sonata (zaleplon), and Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are popular options. These medications use different methods of action and may better meet our needs. Depending on our experience with Ambien or concerns about the drug, our provider might choose to prescribe one of these substitutes instead of zolpidem.
We may also want to explore the wide variety of herbs and supplements on the market. Many of us have probably taken melatonin to help with insomnia, which is a hormone available in the form of pills or teas. If that hasn’t worked in the past, we can consider valerian root, chamomile, lavender, green tea, and magnesium, which are all recommended for those struggling to sleep.
Finally, behavioral changes can make a massive difference in our insomnia. Establishing a consistent bedtime and practicing mindfulness are two easy ways to prime ourselves for a good night’s rest. We can also cut back on caffeine, naps, and screen time, which all disrupt our sleep-wake cycle. Incorporating regular exercise into our routine can also contribute to some well-timed, much-needed exhaustion.
Now we know that mixing Ambien and alcohol is a bad idea — in fact, drinking while on this drug can be life-threatening. Because both substances are CNS depressants, we may be more likely to experience side effects like dizziness, falling, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and respiratory depression when we combine them. In short, drinking on Ambien is never worth the risk.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to address sleep disorders without Ambien. Alcohol may play a role in our insomnia. If we’re looking for relief from sleepless nights, we may want to start by reevaluating our relationship with alcohol. Drinking disrupts our sleep-wake cycle, which increases our risk of issues like insomnia.
If you’d like to quit or cut back, Reframe offers science-backed readings and community support that can kickstart your journey to recovery. To learn more, visit the App Store or Google Play today!
After yet another night of tossing and turning, you decide to ask your doctor about medications for insomnia. You’ve only heard of one — Ambien — but you’re not sure whether it’s a good fit for your symptoms. It seems like a pretty serious drug; can you even drink while taking it?
No, you can’t mix alcohol and Ambien. Why not?
Today, we’re exploring the dangerous combination of taking Ambien with alcohol. We’ll also answer your frequently asked questions about this sleep med, including “Is Ambien addictive?” and “Can you take Ambien every night?”
Ambien, available under the generic name zolpidem, is a prescription drug used to treat insomnia — difficulty falling or staying asleep — in adults. It’s part of a drug class called “sedative-hypnotics,” which includes most sleeping pills and tranquilizers.
Ambien works by activating a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid, for our fellow neuroscience fans), which inhibits neuronal behaviors responsible for insomnia. It’s so strong that most of us will be out like a light within 30 minutes of taking it.
Despite that efficacy, zolpidem isn’t prescribed much these days. There are three reasons that Ambien has fallen from popularity: its harsh side effects, addictive potential, and severe interactions with substances like alcohol.
Like any medication, Ambien is associated with side effects. While some issues may only manifest when starting the drug or upping our dose, we should talk to our doctor about those that don’t improve over time. The following are considered common complications of zolpidem:
Doctors classify certain side effects as severe; if we experience any of these, we should immediately seek medical attention:
When people talk about the bad side effects of Ambien, they’re usually talking about the dangerous sleep behaviors associated with this drug. While under the influence of zolpidem, some patients have gotten out of bed and driven their cars, sleepwalked, prepared food, or initiated sex with their partners. They were fully unaware the entire time. Upon waking, they could not remember doing any of it. If we learn that we have engaged in any activity while taking Ambien, we should discontinue the medication and contact our doctor immediately.
While Ambien is technically less habit-forming than benzodiazepines (Valium and Xanax, to name a few), it still has a high addictive potential. Our body becomes accustomed to the neurochemical changes associated with the drug, which means that we might develop a tolerance for zolpidem and need more of it to achieve the same effect.
We may also experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, rebound insomnia, anxiety, and even seizures when we skip a dose. This occurs because the brain expects Ambien-induced neurochemical activity every night. When that doesn’t happen, our brain kicks into high gear in an attempt to reach equilibrium.
At the same time, we begin to associate Ambien with sleep and may doubt our ability to get a good night’s rest on our own. Some people take more of the drug than recommended or ask their doctor to continue prescribing it. Over time, this combination of physical and psychological dependence can develop into a full-blown addiction.
So, is it safe to take 5mg of Ambien every night? What about 10mg?
We can take Ambien every night for the duration of our treatment, which should not exceed six weeks. Most of us will only receive prescriptions lasting between a few days and four weeks. This is because the FDA specifically cautions providers that long-term administration of this drug is not recommended, and “treatment should be as short as possible.”
To put it more directly: we may take Ambien every night while it is prescribed to us, but we probably won’t be on it for very long. Part of the reason for the FDA’s warning is the risk of dependence (as outlined above). Another deterrent is Ambien’s strong interaction with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants like alcohol.
Both Ambien and alcohol are CNS depressants, which means they slow down our brain’s activity. When combined, the depressant effects of both the drug and the drink are doubled, which impairs us further and makes us vulnerable to life-threatening health problems.
For example, combining alcohol and Ambien can cause severe levels of sedation, cognitive impairment, and worsened motor functioning. This makes us more likely to fall, accidentally injure ourselves, or make poor decisions with lasting consequences.
However, there’s a much bigger risk of mixing these substances. Together, Ambien and alcohol may cause respiratory depression. This is the medical term for slow, shallow breathing that causes carbon dioxide to build up in our blood and reduces the amount of oxygen that can reach our lungs. We may not realize anything is wrong and think we’re just falling asleep. Our loved ones might observe symptoms like labored breathing, blue skin, nausea, headache, and fatigue. Respiratory depression is a leading cause of fatal overdoses.
If your doctor has prescribed Ambien, they have determined that the benefits of this drug outweigh the downsides associated with it. By following their advice and the medication guidelines, we can stay safe while taking zolpidem. There are a few best practices we can follow while on this medication:
Before starting any new prescription drug regimen, it’s a good idea to do some research about the way your meds can interact with substances like alcohol.
Because of the risks inherent in mixing these two substances, it’s best to abstain entirely from alcohol while taking Ambien.
If we must imbibe, it’s crucial to wait for alcohol to completely leave our system before taking this sedative-hypnotic medication. How long that process takes depends on our weight, gender, and what we drink.
While the internet is full of estimates — for example, it generally takes an hour for the average person to metabolize a standard drink versus 14 to 17 hours to clear Ambien from their system — it’s best to talk to our doctor instead of guessing when it’ll be safe to take sleeping pills after drinking. The risks are too great to leave it up to chance.
Most medical professionals will assure us that it’s never a good idea to combine Ambien and alcohol. If we’ve been prescribed this drug and drink often, we should discuss our alcohol intake with our primary care provider and come up with a new plan moving forward. After all, there are plenty of substitutes for zolpidem.
Ambien isn’t the only option for those of us struggling with insomnia. To improve our sleep quality without taking zolpidem, let’s consider other medications, herbal remedies, supplements, and behavioral changes.
First, we can talk to our doctor about prescription alternatives to Ambien. Sleep aids like Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sonata (zaleplon), and Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are popular options. These medications use different methods of action and may better meet our needs. Depending on our experience with Ambien or concerns about the drug, our provider might choose to prescribe one of these substitutes instead of zolpidem.
We may also want to explore the wide variety of herbs and supplements on the market. Many of us have probably taken melatonin to help with insomnia, which is a hormone available in the form of pills or teas. If that hasn’t worked in the past, we can consider valerian root, chamomile, lavender, green tea, and magnesium, which are all recommended for those struggling to sleep.
Finally, behavioral changes can make a massive difference in our insomnia. Establishing a consistent bedtime and practicing mindfulness are two easy ways to prime ourselves for a good night’s rest. We can also cut back on caffeine, naps, and screen time, which all disrupt our sleep-wake cycle. Incorporating regular exercise into our routine can also contribute to some well-timed, much-needed exhaustion.
Now we know that mixing Ambien and alcohol is a bad idea — in fact, drinking while on this drug can be life-threatening. Because both substances are CNS depressants, we may be more likely to experience side effects like dizziness, falling, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and respiratory depression when we combine them. In short, drinking on Ambien is never worth the risk.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to address sleep disorders without Ambien. Alcohol may play a role in our insomnia. If we’re looking for relief from sleepless nights, we may want to start by reevaluating our relationship with alcohol. Drinking disrupts our sleep-wake cycle, which increases our risk of issues like insomnia.
If you’d like to quit or cut back, Reframe offers science-backed readings and community support that can kickstart your journey to recovery. To learn more, visit the App Store or Google Play today!
Recent studies report a connection between Long COVID and alcohol intolerance and hangovers. Learn more about how they may be interconnected in our latest blog.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, we’ve been wishing for it to go away. Although developments have been made to lessen the detrimental effects the virus has on our health, long COVID continues to impact us in multifarious ways.
New research has suggested that long COVID may be linked to changes in alcohol tolerance and hangover symptoms. Could a lingering virus be the unsuspecting cause of alcohol intolerance and hangovers? Let’s take a closer look at the science that may help explain this phenomenon.
Long COVID is a condition marked by long-term symptoms and conditions that occur after the acute two-week period of a COVID-19 infection. The condition is more common in those of us who have had a severe COVID-19 infection or are not vaccinated. However, long COVID may affect anyone. Long COVID symptoms can be ongoing or intermittent and can go on for weeks, months, or years.
Symptoms vary greatly and continue to be recorded and researched. Due to the wide variation in experiences, symptoms are broken down into smaller categories:
Long COVID is associated with a wide range of symptoms; could it also affect our drinking experience?
Alcohol has acute and long-term effects on our health, which can directly intersect with COVID-19. While causes of long COVID remain inconclusive, Harvard researchers have found that lifestyle influences could affect the risk of developing long COVID. One of these influences is (drumroll, please) alcohol, but that street can go both ways.
Research done on post-COVID syndrome notes that poor mental health resulting from disabling post-COVID symptoms could lead to alcohol dependence. This suggests a reciprocal relationship between COVID and alcohol. On one hand, drinking alcohol could increase the risk of developing long COVID. Similarly, long COVID could prompt increased consumption of alcohol — creating a toxic cycle with serious impacts on our health.
In addition to an increased risk of developing long COVID and substance dependence, recent developments suggest a more surprising link between alcohol and long COVID. Anecdotal reports record a sudden onset of alcohol sensitivity and worse hangovers in long COVID patients. Could the virus be the cause?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a yes or no answer. Long COVID isn’t listed as a definitive cause of alcohol intolerance, although patients have reported symptoms indicative of intolerance. While more research is still needed, at least one peer-reviewed study concluded that long COVID has a causal link to increased alcohol intolerance.
The findings were limited to four patients who were treated at Stanford’s Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) Clinic. Through these case studies, the researchers concluded that long COVID has similar overlapping symptoms with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Similar mechanisms that cause intolerance in ME/CFS are used to explain experiences of long COVID:
While mechanisms of ME/CFS help explain the onset of alcohol intolerance in long COVID patients, additional research is needed. Along with sudden alcohol intolerance after COVID, anecdotal reports and the four individuals listed in the case study reported varied symptoms of alcohol hangovers.
Alcohol intolerance is typically an inherited metabolic disorder that is marked by a genetic mutation in the gene that helps us metabolize alcohol. Since those of us with alcohol intolerance are not able to efficiently break down the toxins in alcohol, they have the opportunity to cause greater harm to our body — leading to worse hangovers. Long COVID appears to heighten those impacts:
Aside from long COVID, other factors can also contribute to alcohol intolerance and hangovers.
COVID itself has caused devastating impacts on our public health.
Alcohol has also further complicated COVID-19. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), indirect impacts of COVID have also caused drastic increases in alcohol-related mortalities during peak COVID years.
Even though we’re supposedly past “peak COVID” years, alcohol-related deaths are on an upward trajectory. While alcohol intolerance and hangovers can often be brushed off as symptoms of drinking, it has greater impacts than we may realize.
The recent developments linking long COVID and alcohol intolerance don’t only serve as additional clarity on the condition. They also present a wake-up call for those of us who have had COVID in the past (or not) to be mindful of our drinking habits.
Many of us have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past. Is it still okay to drink? New studies confirming the link between long COVID and alcohol intolerance may suggest that quitting or cutting back on alcohol is the best course of action.
Research is still in its early stages regarding the causes of symptoms of long COVID, but alcohol has been studied for a long time and has conclusively negative health effects. If you choose to drink, the guidelines for moderate drinking will help you navigate a healthy relationship with alcohol.
Long COVID can be a difficult experience and condition to navigate. Alcohol only adds to that equation. Mindful drinking and intentional practices can help us prioritize our health:
Viruses can be frustrating and fickle, but the more we take care of our body, the better equipped it will be to fight them off.
Long COVID symptoms seem to include everything under the sun. Recent studies have added alcohol intolerance and exacerbated hangovers to that list. While these complications are frequently brushed off as side effects of drinking, the consequences urge us to proceed with caution. A horrible hangover, hives, and facial flushing — all symptoms of alcohol intolerance — serve as a big red warning sign that something is wrong.
Long COVID is still being studied, but what is conclusive is that drinking alcohol will do more harm than good.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, we’ve been wishing for it to go away. Although developments have been made to lessen the detrimental effects the virus has on our health, long COVID continues to impact us in multifarious ways.
New research has suggested that long COVID may be linked to changes in alcohol tolerance and hangover symptoms. Could a lingering virus be the unsuspecting cause of alcohol intolerance and hangovers? Let’s take a closer look at the science that may help explain this phenomenon.
Long COVID is a condition marked by long-term symptoms and conditions that occur after the acute two-week period of a COVID-19 infection. The condition is more common in those of us who have had a severe COVID-19 infection or are not vaccinated. However, long COVID may affect anyone. Long COVID symptoms can be ongoing or intermittent and can go on for weeks, months, or years.
Symptoms vary greatly and continue to be recorded and researched. Due to the wide variation in experiences, symptoms are broken down into smaller categories:
Long COVID is associated with a wide range of symptoms; could it also affect our drinking experience?
Alcohol has acute and long-term effects on our health, which can directly intersect with COVID-19. While causes of long COVID remain inconclusive, Harvard researchers have found that lifestyle influences could affect the risk of developing long COVID. One of these influences is (drumroll, please) alcohol, but that street can go both ways.
Research done on post-COVID syndrome notes that poor mental health resulting from disabling post-COVID symptoms could lead to alcohol dependence. This suggests a reciprocal relationship between COVID and alcohol. On one hand, drinking alcohol could increase the risk of developing long COVID. Similarly, long COVID could prompt increased consumption of alcohol — creating a toxic cycle with serious impacts on our health.
In addition to an increased risk of developing long COVID and substance dependence, recent developments suggest a more surprising link between alcohol and long COVID. Anecdotal reports record a sudden onset of alcohol sensitivity and worse hangovers in long COVID patients. Could the virus be the cause?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a yes or no answer. Long COVID isn’t listed as a definitive cause of alcohol intolerance, although patients have reported symptoms indicative of intolerance. While more research is still needed, at least one peer-reviewed study concluded that long COVID has a causal link to increased alcohol intolerance.
The findings were limited to four patients who were treated at Stanford’s Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) Clinic. Through these case studies, the researchers concluded that long COVID has similar overlapping symptoms with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Similar mechanisms that cause intolerance in ME/CFS are used to explain experiences of long COVID:
While mechanisms of ME/CFS help explain the onset of alcohol intolerance in long COVID patients, additional research is needed. Along with sudden alcohol intolerance after COVID, anecdotal reports and the four individuals listed in the case study reported varied symptoms of alcohol hangovers.
Alcohol intolerance is typically an inherited metabolic disorder that is marked by a genetic mutation in the gene that helps us metabolize alcohol. Since those of us with alcohol intolerance are not able to efficiently break down the toxins in alcohol, they have the opportunity to cause greater harm to our body — leading to worse hangovers. Long COVID appears to heighten those impacts:
Aside from long COVID, other factors can also contribute to alcohol intolerance and hangovers.
COVID itself has caused devastating impacts on our public health.
Alcohol has also further complicated COVID-19. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), indirect impacts of COVID have also caused drastic increases in alcohol-related mortalities during peak COVID years.
Even though we’re supposedly past “peak COVID” years, alcohol-related deaths are on an upward trajectory. While alcohol intolerance and hangovers can often be brushed off as symptoms of drinking, it has greater impacts than we may realize.
The recent developments linking long COVID and alcohol intolerance don’t only serve as additional clarity on the condition. They also present a wake-up call for those of us who have had COVID in the past (or not) to be mindful of our drinking habits.
Many of us have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past. Is it still okay to drink? New studies confirming the link between long COVID and alcohol intolerance may suggest that quitting or cutting back on alcohol is the best course of action.
Research is still in its early stages regarding the causes of symptoms of long COVID, but alcohol has been studied for a long time and has conclusively negative health effects. If you choose to drink, the guidelines for moderate drinking will help you navigate a healthy relationship with alcohol.
Long COVID can be a difficult experience and condition to navigate. Alcohol only adds to that equation. Mindful drinking and intentional practices can help us prioritize our health:
Viruses can be frustrating and fickle, but the more we take care of our body, the better equipped it will be to fight them off.
Long COVID symptoms seem to include everything under the sun. Recent studies have added alcohol intolerance and exacerbated hangovers to that list. While these complications are frequently brushed off as side effects of drinking, the consequences urge us to proceed with caution. A horrible hangover, hives, and facial flushing — all symptoms of alcohol intolerance — serve as a big red warning sign that something is wrong.
Long COVID is still being studied, but what is conclusive is that drinking alcohol will do more harm than good.
Getting sober isn’t always as simple as “stop drinking.” If we’re not careful, we may develop a cross addiction. Click to learn the facts about transfer addiction.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
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It’s been years since you’ve caught up with this friend, and as you sit across from them at dinner, you’re happy to see how much they’ve changed. The last time you spoke, they were struggling with a serious addiction to painkillers. Now they’re fresh out of rehab. You’re still laughing at one of their jokes when they flag down a server.
You’re surprised when they order a glass of wine — then another, and another. By the end of the meal, they’ve finished a bottle’s worth all by themselves. They never really drank before. Why would they start now?
Your friend might be experiencing a phenomenon called cross addiction. Let’s dive into this recovery obstacle, why it happens, and what we can do to stay on track.
Cross addiction, also called addiction transfer, transfer addiction, or addiction substitution, occurs after we’ve overcome one maladaptive behavior (such as substance misuse) and become reliant on a new substance or behavior.
For example, although our friend overcame their opioid use disorder, they subsequently became dependent on alcohol. To understand why this happens, we need to unpack how addiction impacts the brain.
Substance use disorder hijacks our reward system. Every time we consume an addictive substance, we experience a rush of dopamine — the chemical messenger associated with pleasure, learning, and motivation. In an attempt to reach equilibrium, the brain then slows its own dopamine production, expecting an artificial dosage through drug or alcohol use. These changes reinforce substance use, and, over time, our brain becomes dependent.
Even after we stop drinking or using drugs, we may crave that spike of feel-good neurotransmitters. A cross addiction develops when we replace our original addiction with a new source of dopamine. Sometimes, we begin using different substances. In most instances, however, we chase that high through physically or emotionally stimulating activities. These everyday dopamine-boosting behaviors can become compulsive and morph into behavioral addictions, also known as process addictions. Here are a few examples of common behaviors that can become compulsive:
This is just a small sample of potentially addictive actions, and addiction transfer isn’t always the cause. Some people engage in compulsive behaviors due to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). How do we know if we have a cross addiction or a dual diagnosis? Let’s read on to discover the difference.
Is “cross addiction” the same as “dual diagnosis”? we might wonder. The answer is no. Let’s compare the definitions to learn why.
Whereas addiction describes a mental and physical compulsion to perform a particular behavior such as substance use or gambling, dependence is a state of chemical and biological dependency on a substance. Cross dependence happens when we transfer one physical dependence to a new substance.
Substances produce chemical changes in our body, making them addictive. The physiological effects of withdrawal from substances can produce tangible symptoms such as sweating, fever, shakes, nausea, pain, and headaches. When overcoming addiction, the withdrawal period may be more a mental game, but that form of withdrawal is just as real and powerful as physical symptoms.
It’s possible to have an addiction and a dependency at the same time — in fact, many of us do. This adds another layer to the already complex process of maladaptive behaviors.
Now, let’s examine the factors that put us at risk for transfer behaviors that can fuel both addiction and dependence.
What makes us vulnerable to transfer addiction? A complex interplay of genetic vulnerabilities, mental health conditions, and social factors can potentially lead to new compulsions and affect our recovery.
If we identify with one or more of these points, how can we prevent cross addiction from progressing? Fortunately, developing an understanding of transfer addiction can protect us from unwanted compulsions in the future.
Often, cross addiction develops subtly. Consider the following example.
Imagine we’ve successfully overcome a reliance on opioid painkillers. Maybe we, like many people, also took those pills when we felt overwhelmed or stressed, which, come to think of it, we feel a lot now that we’re off our medication. Today, when we feel like we want to unwind, we decide to turn to a different substance instead. We pour a glass of wine. That works, so we decide that every time we really want to take an opioid, we’ll drink instead. In time, we may find ourselves dependent on alcohol. That’s cross addiction.
Why did we experience that addiction transfer? If you read the above paragraph carefully, you can spot some of the telltale signs:
1. We replaced painkillers with something similar.
First, we found a substitute for our previous addiction. By seeking out another substance that mimicked the effects of opioids, we found a way to relax and unwind. Just like opioid painkillers, alcohol is a depressant, and it affects the brain’s reward system in a similar way. We sought out a drug with a similar effect and have developed a similar dependence on it.
2. We used alcohol to cope.
Next, we used alcohol to control cravings, stress, and withdrawal symptoms. Many of us struggle to handle the physical and emotional challenges that come with recovery. We may not realize that the way we’re coping is unhealthy.
3. We didn’t address the root cause of our addiction.
Finally, we didn’t deal with the unresolved issues that contributed to our opioid use disorder. Why do we feel overwhelmed so often? What’s got us so stressed? Instead of digging into what upsets us, we’ve attempted to treat the symptoms — first with meds, then with booze.
But is there anything we can do to avoid this? Doesn’t this happen to everyone who gets sober?
While anyone can experience transfer addiction, it isn’t considered a normal part of the recovery process.
Recovery is more than just getting sober. In addition to stopping our alcohol use, we’ll need to make fundamental, lasting changes to our lifestyle, behaviors, and mindset. We might also seek professional help to address the issues behind our drinking. Without these reinforcements, we’ll be more vulnerable to future substance use disorders and process addictions.
If we build a solid foundation for our sobriety, however, we can successfully avoid cross addiction..
Putting down the booze is just the first step in our recovery journey. Once we quit drinking, we’ll need to avoid cross addiction by making sustainable, lasting changes. If you’re looking for direction in early recovery, we’ve put together eight tips just for you.
Let’s go back to that restaurant. Sitting across from your friend, you may have begun wondering about cross addictions of your own. Have you started smoking, shopping online, or doomscrolling after cutting back on alcohol? Are you worried about whether these behaviors are still within your control? If so, you may benefit from a sustainable alcohol cessation program — one rooted in scientific best practices.
Reframe offers the guidance you need to stop drinking (or drink less) while prioritizing your health and well-being. Our curriculum focuses on incremental, lasting change. We help you to unpack your relationship with alcohol while building safeguards against other potentially addictive behaviors. To learn more, visit the App Store or Google Play.
It’s been years since you’ve caught up with this friend, and as you sit across from them at dinner, you’re happy to see how much they’ve changed. The last time you spoke, they were struggling with a serious addiction to painkillers. Now they’re fresh out of rehab. You’re still laughing at one of their jokes when they flag down a server.
You’re surprised when they order a glass of wine — then another, and another. By the end of the meal, they’ve finished a bottle’s worth all by themselves. They never really drank before. Why would they start now?
Your friend might be experiencing a phenomenon called cross addiction. Let’s dive into this recovery obstacle, why it happens, and what we can do to stay on track.
Cross addiction, also called addiction transfer, transfer addiction, or addiction substitution, occurs after we’ve overcome one maladaptive behavior (such as substance misuse) and become reliant on a new substance or behavior.
For example, although our friend overcame their opioid use disorder, they subsequently became dependent on alcohol. To understand why this happens, we need to unpack how addiction impacts the brain.
Substance use disorder hijacks our reward system. Every time we consume an addictive substance, we experience a rush of dopamine — the chemical messenger associated with pleasure, learning, and motivation. In an attempt to reach equilibrium, the brain then slows its own dopamine production, expecting an artificial dosage through drug or alcohol use. These changes reinforce substance use, and, over time, our brain becomes dependent.
Even after we stop drinking or using drugs, we may crave that spike of feel-good neurotransmitters. A cross addiction develops when we replace our original addiction with a new source of dopamine. Sometimes, we begin using different substances. In most instances, however, we chase that high through physically or emotionally stimulating activities. These everyday dopamine-boosting behaviors can become compulsive and morph into behavioral addictions, also known as process addictions. Here are a few examples of common behaviors that can become compulsive:
This is just a small sample of potentially addictive actions, and addiction transfer isn’t always the cause. Some people engage in compulsive behaviors due to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). How do we know if we have a cross addiction or a dual diagnosis? Let’s read on to discover the difference.
Is “cross addiction” the same as “dual diagnosis”? we might wonder. The answer is no. Let’s compare the definitions to learn why.
Whereas addiction describes a mental and physical compulsion to perform a particular behavior such as substance use or gambling, dependence is a state of chemical and biological dependency on a substance. Cross dependence happens when we transfer one physical dependence to a new substance.
Substances produce chemical changes in our body, making them addictive. The physiological effects of withdrawal from substances can produce tangible symptoms such as sweating, fever, shakes, nausea, pain, and headaches. When overcoming addiction, the withdrawal period may be more a mental game, but that form of withdrawal is just as real and powerful as physical symptoms.
It’s possible to have an addiction and a dependency at the same time — in fact, many of us do. This adds another layer to the already complex process of maladaptive behaviors.
Now, let’s examine the factors that put us at risk for transfer behaviors that can fuel both addiction and dependence.
What makes us vulnerable to transfer addiction? A complex interplay of genetic vulnerabilities, mental health conditions, and social factors can potentially lead to new compulsions and affect our recovery.
If we identify with one or more of these points, how can we prevent cross addiction from progressing? Fortunately, developing an understanding of transfer addiction can protect us from unwanted compulsions in the future.
Often, cross addiction develops subtly. Consider the following example.
Imagine we’ve successfully overcome a reliance on opioid painkillers. Maybe we, like many people, also took those pills when we felt overwhelmed or stressed, which, come to think of it, we feel a lot now that we’re off our medication. Today, when we feel like we want to unwind, we decide to turn to a different substance instead. We pour a glass of wine. That works, so we decide that every time we really want to take an opioid, we’ll drink instead. In time, we may find ourselves dependent on alcohol. That’s cross addiction.
Why did we experience that addiction transfer? If you read the above paragraph carefully, you can spot some of the telltale signs:
1. We replaced painkillers with something similar.
First, we found a substitute for our previous addiction. By seeking out another substance that mimicked the effects of opioids, we found a way to relax and unwind. Just like opioid painkillers, alcohol is a depressant, and it affects the brain’s reward system in a similar way. We sought out a drug with a similar effect and have developed a similar dependence on it.
2. We used alcohol to cope.
Next, we used alcohol to control cravings, stress, and withdrawal symptoms. Many of us struggle to handle the physical and emotional challenges that come with recovery. We may not realize that the way we’re coping is unhealthy.
3. We didn’t address the root cause of our addiction.
Finally, we didn’t deal with the unresolved issues that contributed to our opioid use disorder. Why do we feel overwhelmed so often? What’s got us so stressed? Instead of digging into what upsets us, we’ve attempted to treat the symptoms — first with meds, then with booze.
But is there anything we can do to avoid this? Doesn’t this happen to everyone who gets sober?
While anyone can experience transfer addiction, it isn’t considered a normal part of the recovery process.
Recovery is more than just getting sober. In addition to stopping our alcohol use, we’ll need to make fundamental, lasting changes to our lifestyle, behaviors, and mindset. We might also seek professional help to address the issues behind our drinking. Without these reinforcements, we’ll be more vulnerable to future substance use disorders and process addictions.
If we build a solid foundation for our sobriety, however, we can successfully avoid cross addiction..
Putting down the booze is just the first step in our recovery journey. Once we quit drinking, we’ll need to avoid cross addiction by making sustainable, lasting changes. If you’re looking for direction in early recovery, we’ve put together eight tips just for you.
Let’s go back to that restaurant. Sitting across from your friend, you may have begun wondering about cross addictions of your own. Have you started smoking, shopping online, or doomscrolling after cutting back on alcohol? Are you worried about whether these behaviors are still within your control? If so, you may benefit from a sustainable alcohol cessation program — one rooted in scientific best practices.
Reframe offers the guidance you need to stop drinking (or drink less) while prioritizing your health and well-being. Our curriculum focuses on incremental, lasting change. We help you to unpack your relationship with alcohol while building safeguards against other potentially addictive behaviors. To learn more, visit the App Store or Google Play.
